Codes and Standards Governing Fuel Systems

The installation of new fuel tanks and fuel systems is governed by various different codes and standards. The following section addresses some of the more specific regulations for new construction and may be applicable to fix or upgrade fuel systems in existing buildings. To define all relevant criteria, please contact the local building departments. In existing buildings, codes and standards containing flood provisions should be met when repairing or replacing fuel systems, even if not required, to protect those fuel systems from future flood events.

International Building Code

Section 1612.4 of the International Building Code (IBC) requires that buildings located in flood hazard areas be designed in accordance with ASCE 24. Section 7.0 of ASCE 24 contains general requirements for utilities and Section 7.4 contains specific requirements for mechanical and HVAC systems.

ASCE 24 Requires an elevation or protection of the facilities and associated equipment from flooding. The amount of elevation or protection needed depends on the type of facility ( e.g. essential facilities, such as fire stations or police stations and hospitals) and the flood risk defined on FIRMs ( e.g. Coastal A Zone, Zone V, etc.). Utilities and supporting equipment (fuel pumps, control systems, engines, etc.) must be elevated from 1 to 3 feet above the base flood elevation (BFE) or above the plan flood elevation (DFE), whichever is higher.

Section G701.1: Specifies that underground tanks must be planned and constructed to avoid flotation, collapse, or lateral movement from hydrostatic loads (including buoyancy effects) during flood construction conditions.

Section G701.2: Specifies that the above-ground tanks must be placed above the DFE defined in ASCE 24, or built, constructed and anchored to prevent hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads from flotation, collapse or lateral movement.

Section G701.3: Specifies that all inlets and vents of tanks extend above the DFE defined in ASCE 24 or are fitted with covers designed to prevent floodwater inflow and tank contents outflow. The inlets and vents must also be properly anchored to prevent hydrostatic and hydrodynamic loads from lateral movement, including the buoyancy effects.

International Mechanical Code

Section 1305.2.1 of the International Mechanical Code states that all fuel oil tubing, machinery, and facilities located in flood hazard areas must either be above the flood level specified by ASCE 24 or be capable of resisting all flood forces associated with the flood design.